Don't be misled by those who sow hatred using race, religion, says Anwar

ALOR SETAR: The people must not be misled by leaders who sow hatred by using race and religion for their own benefits, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the people would be at lost if the nation was divided by these irresponsible leaders who used Quran and Hadith in their speeches but supported leaders who practiced corruption.

"We have the right to improve the economy of Kedah and Malaysia by defending the integrity and be responsible to the people," he said in the final speech at 2023 Madani Kedah gathering at Dataran Stargate on Friday (April 28).

The PKR president said this was the time people in Malaysia to reclaim the country from those who practice corruption and instead choose leaders who can offer better economic policy that will developed the country's economy.

He denied the accusations made by certain political leaders from the Opposition on him marginalising the Opposition-led states.

"As a Finance Minister I have increased allocations for all states under Opposition rule in Budget 2023," he said.

He described the allegations that he was being unfair as slander.

Earlier the downpour at Alor Star did not stop thousands of people from attending the 2023 Madani Kedah gathering at Dataran Stargate.

Some 15,000 were seen flocking to the event site since 5pm with some using umbrellas, newspaper and cardboard to shelter themselves from the pouring rain.

Anwar, clad in a purple batik shirt, arrived at Dataran Stargate at about 9pm accompanied by PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifudin Nasution Ismail.

He was greeted by rapturous cheers from the people at the event.

Guests were also entertained by a host of shows including from top singers Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk Amy Search during the night.

The people were treated to food and drinks while waiting in the tents during the event.

The event also featured a lucky draw session that offered an array of gifts and prize including motorcycles and bicycles.

The event ended with a prayer recited by Kedah religious scholar Sheikh Jamil Datuk Mursyid DiRaja Tajuddin.